Well-known caricaturist, “Draw Me Bill” conducted a workshop on the fundamentals of caricature drawing at the Galva Arts Council on Saturday, Jan. 11.
Also known as Bill Douglas, he resides in the Quad Cities and is a sought-after artist by corporations, private citizens, and community organizations who want a one-of-a-kind drawing. Whether it’s a birthday party, a wedding, a billboard, a pinball machine or a summer concert, Bill’s signature designs are treasured creations.
As a preteen, he was inspired by the Sunday comics, especially the Peanuts gang, created by Charles Shultz.
“Adding conversations to rounded heads was a lot of fun,” said Douglas, adding that he never stopped drawing. “And here I am today!”
For Saturday’s program, he had participants draw their own faces and exaggerate features, creating a cartoon-like image.
“Looking at how people sit, and what they look like helps with shading and lines,” he said. “And you must draw daily – practice is the key.”
He suggested the different types of paper to use, as well as pencils, markers, and ink that work best. Encouraging the class to experiment with what they prefer to use; he advised that keeping it simple is best. Douglass spoke about computer programs to help with alignment and backgrounds and books that he uses for reference. His class display included a number of these books for class members to peruse. Several folders of his work were also available, showing the variety of his work.
In addition to his work as a busy artist, he holds down a full-time job during the day. Evenings and weekends are devoted to his drawings, and he can often be found teaching a class at an art museum, library, or conference center.
According to Galva Arts Council Board President Linda Getter, Draw Me Bill is a popular figure at the downtown Galva location.
“He’s always willing to share his talents with us,” she said.
Douglas is slated to bring his work to the Levitt AMP summer concerts, where his website tagline, “What Can I Draw for You?” will be repeated often in Wiley Park.
More information on Douglas’s work can be found at www.drawmebill.com.
The Galva Arts Council’s schedule of events can be found at www.galvaartscouncil.org, or by emailing galvaarts@gmail.com.
